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NEWSAN Takes Advocacy Visit To Gov. Fayemi To Improve Water Sanitation

Published

5 years ago

November 19, 2020

By Mustapha Suleiman

The National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Benson Attah has said that available data in 2018 showed that 50.5 per cent of the households still lack access to improved latrines in Ekiti state.

Attah stated this during a courtesy visit to Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the visit was aimed at commending the state government on its achievements so far in improving access to potable water and to strengthen its advocacy in that regard. While commending the state government in its achievements so far in ending open defecation practices in both rural and urban areas, and in scaling up Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in the state, Attah said there was a need for more commitment to enhancing efficient service delivery, noting that support was from the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).

He said that the state chapters of NEWSAN had been trained with other six states on mutual accountability and advocacy skills for Civil societies, adding that the impact would help in meeting the global goals.

Attah noted that a recent study showed that information on budget tracking and implementation was low, just as he said that the availability of an Open Defecation Free roadmap was impressive.

He called on the governor to support WASH departments in all local government areas of the state and also strengthen monitoring and evaluation in water and supply project implementations.

In his response, Governor Fayemi noted that the state had prioritized the provision of potable water and sanitation to its citizens, saying this has led to the development of an investment plan in WASH.

He said all highlighted issues were being addressed, pledging to continue to support CSO engagements for better service delivery and to increase budgetary allocations for the provision of potable water and hygiene services to its citizens.

The state commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr Bamidele Faparusi, noted that all identified gaps have been addressed with the new policy recently passed by the state executive council.

Faparusi said an Open Defecation Free roadmap by 2022 was being inaugurated and implementation commenced, adding that a counterpart funding of N200 million was given to support WASH activities in the state.

“We are the first state to launch the ODF Roadmap by 2022, the political will is there, and we will improve our ratings”.

The commissioner said with the advent of COVID-19, emphasis on hygiene promotion was taken to the front burner, adding that a task group to monitor hygiene practices in all MDAs was already working.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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